Interviews
Nikkei Identity (Japanese)
(Japanese) I sometimes gave a talk about [Nikkei] identity to Nikkei students, particularly from the perspective of being Nikkei. But I believe the environments that they grew up and the values that they inherited from their parents or their father or grandfather taught are different for each person. so I have never defined “this is what Nikkei identity is,” nor do I think someone should. In particular, Nikkei living in Japan have both Japanese and foreigner at the same time. They have Japanese roots, but they suddenly come to Japan and form their new identities in Japan. Or I could probably say that they’re in the process of forming their own identity. I don’t think it’s good to push one single definition onto somebody like them. so they have to take the time to find their own place and really need to think about how we should approach these matters.
Date: September 22, 2019
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Yoko Nishimura
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum
Explore More Videos
Grandmother's influence on decision to go to Japan
(b.1942) Japanese American ceramist, who has lived in Japan for over 30 years.
A Possible Path towards Happiness… (Spanish)
(1958-2014) Former Bolivian Ambassador to Japan
What is Nikkei? (Japanese)
Tsuda College President, researcher of Nikkei history
Learning from Nikkei (Japanese)
Tsuda College President, researcher of Nikkei history
The challenge for Peruvian children of going to school in Japan (Spanish)
Japanese Peruvian in Japan
Nickname
(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline
Context affects meaning
(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline
Testing assumptions of Japanese scholars
(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline
Feeling empowered by taiko
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Sense of lineage between Sansei and Issei through Taiko
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Image of Americans
Sansei from Hawaii living in Japan. Teacher and businesswoman.
Japanese influence growing up
(b.1942) Japanese American ceramist, who has lived in Japan for over 30 years.